Can You Have Over 100 Cards in Commander? The Definitive Guide
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The short, sharp answer is a resounding no. A Commander deck must contain exactly 100 cards, including your commander(s). This is a fundamental rule of the Commander format, and there are very few exceptions. Deviating from this rule makes your deck illegal for sanctioned play.
Commander, also known as EDH (Elder Dragon Highlander), is a hugely popular Magic: The Gathering format known for its social, strategic, and often chaotic gameplay. The 100-card singleton nature of the deck is a core aspect that contributes to its unique appeal, demanding creative deckbuilding and strategic adaptation during play.
Let’s dive deeper into why this rule exists and explore some of the nuances that come with building your Commander decks, and let’s clarify some common misconceptions.
Understanding the 100-Card Limit
The 100-card rule in Commander serves several crucial purposes:
- Promotes Variety: With only one copy of each card allowed (except basic lands), your deck will inherently have more variety than a typical 60-card Constructed deck. This means each game is likely to play out differently, keeping things fresh and exciting.
- Encourages Creative Deckbuilding: The larger deck size forces players to consider a wider range of cards and strategies. You can’t simply rely on the most efficient or powerful cards; you need to find creative synergies and build redundancy.
- Balances Power Level: The singleton restriction and larger deck size naturally reduce the consistency of powerful combos and strategies. This leads to a more balanced play environment where less powerful strategies can still thrive.
- Enhances Social Play: Commander is often played in a casual, multiplayer setting. The increased randomness and variety of the 100-card format encourage social interaction and collaboration.
Exceptions and Clarifications
While the 100-card rule is strict, a few edge cases are worth noting:
- Partner Commanders: If your commander has the “partner” ability, you can have two commanders. However, your deck still needs to total 100 cards, meaning 98 cards in your library.
- Companion Cards: A companion card sits outside your deck and does not count towards the 100-card limit. However, it imposes restrictions on your deckbuilding (e.g., all cards in your deck share a color).
- Basic Lands: You can include as many basic lands (Plains, Island, Swamp, Mountain, Forest) as you need in your 99 (or 98) cards, regardless of any singleton rules.
- Cards That Allow Multiple Copies: Some specific cards, like Relentless Rats or Shadowborn Apostle, explicitly allow you to include multiple copies. These are exceptions, not the rule. Read the card carefully!
Building Your Commander Deck
Building a Commander deck can seem daunting, but it’s a rewarding experience. Here are a few tips:
- Choose Your Commander: Your commander is the heart of your deck. Choose a legendary creature or planeswalker whose abilities align with your preferred playstyle.
- Mana Base: Aim for around 33-42 lands, adjusting based on your deck’s mana curve and ramp spells.
- Ramp: Include mana acceleration spells (e.g., Sol Ring, Cultivate) to ensure you can cast your spells on time.
- Card Draw: Card advantage is crucial in Commander. Include cards that allow you to draw extra cards or tutor for specific cards.
- Removal: Be prepared to deal with your opponents’ threats. Include a mix of spot removal (e.g., Murder) and board wipes (e.g., Wrath of God).
- Synergies: Look for cards that work well with your commander’s abilities and overall strategy.
- Themes: Develop a core theme for your deck, such as tribal, voltron, or control. This will help you focus your deckbuilding.
The Importance of Adhering to the Rules
Sticking to the 100-card limit, the singleton rule, and the color identity rule is crucial for fair and enjoyable gameplay. Ignoring these rules can lead to unbalanced games and frustrated opponents. Commander is a social format at its heart, and playing fairly ensures that everyone has a good time. Plus, playing within the constraints of the rules is where the real creativity shines!
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Commander FAQs:
1. Does the Commander count towards the 100 cards?
Yes, the commander is included in the 100-card count. Your 99 cards are made up of the remaining library. If you have two partner commanders, the library total would be 98 cards.
2. Can I have more than one copy of a card in my Commander deck?
Generally, no. The singleton rule dictates that you can only have one copy of each card (by name) in your deck, excluding basic lands. Certain cards, such as Relentless Rats, are exceptions to this rule.
3. What happens if I accidentally have more than 100 cards in my Commander deck?
If you discover that your deck has more than 100 cards before a game starts, remove cards until you reach the legal deck size. If it’s during a tournament, notify a judge. Playing with an illegal deck can result in penalties.
4. Can I use cards from any Magic: The Gathering set in my Commander deck?
Yes, Commander is an eternal format, meaning almost all cards from Magic’s history are legal, except those specifically banned in the Commander format. Check the official ban list to ensure your deck is legal. Silver-bordered and acorn cards are also illegal.
5. What are some of the most common mistakes people make when building Commander decks?
Common mistakes include not having enough mana ramp, not enough card draw, too few lands, and not enough removal. Also, building a deck without a clear strategy can lead to inconsistent performance.
6. What’s the best way to ensure my Commander deck is legal?
Double-check your deck before playing. Count your cards to make sure you have exactly 100 (including your commander(s)). Review your decklist to ensure you only have one copy of each card (excluding basic lands and exceptions like Relentless Rats). Verify that all cards adhere to your commander’s color identity.
7. How does the color identity rule affect my deckbuilding choices?
The color identity of your commander determines which colored mana symbols can appear on the cards in your deck. For example, if your commander is a green and white creature, all cards in your deck must be green, white, or colorless.
8. Are there any official Commander tournaments?
Yes, there are sanctioned Commander tournaments. These events typically follow the official Commander rules and ban list. Check with your local game store or tournament organizer for details.
9. Can I change my Commander deck between games?
In casual play, it’s generally acceptable to make minor changes to your deck between games, as long as all players agree. However, in tournament settings, you may be required to register your decklist and adhere to it for the duration of the event.
10. What happens if my Commander is removed from the game?
If your commander is removed from the battlefield, you can choose to return it to the command zone instead. The first time you cast your commander from the command zone, it costs its normal mana cost. Each subsequent time, it costs an additional two generic mana. This is called the “commander tax.”
11. How do I deal with a powerful Commander deck that’s dominating the game?
Commander is a multiplayer format, so teamwork is essential. Coordinate with other players to target the most threatening player or remove their key threats. Include cards in your deck that can disrupt powerful strategies, such as stax pieces or targeted removal.
12. What are the best resources for learning more about Commander?
Numerous websites, forums, and YouTube channels are dedicated to Commander. Some popular resources include EDHREC, MTGGoldfish, and The Command Zone. Additionally, the official Magic: The Gathering website has a wealth of information about the format.
13. How do I build a budget-friendly Commander deck?
Focus on cards that are effective but inexpensive. Use basic lands instead of expensive fetch lands. Look for cards that provide good value for their mana cost. Consider preconstructed Commander decks as a starting point.
14. Are there any cards that are automatically banned in Commander?
Yes, there is an official Commander ban list maintained by the Rules Committee. This list includes cards that are deemed too powerful or disruptive for the format. Some notable banned cards include Ancestral Recall, Balance, and Black Lotus. Check the latest official ban list before building your deck.
15. What is cEDH, and how does it differ from regular Commander?
cEDH, or competitive EDH, is a more optimized and competitive version of Commander. cEDH decks prioritize winning above all else and often utilize powerful combos and efficient strategies. While both formats use the same rules and banlist, the playstyle and deckbuilding philosophies are significantly different.